Dunavant Enterprises repositions as logistics leader

Dunavant Enterprises Inc., formerly one of the world’s largest cotton merchandizers for more than 50 years, has announced the expansion of its global logistics division as the main active concentration for the company. Dunavant has been previously ranked by Forbes as one of best small companies in America. Earlier this year, Dunavant completed the sale of its global cotton business. This finalized the strategic decision by the Dunavant family to exit the cotton business and pursue other ventures. The company created Central States Truck Brokerage, its logistics subsidiary, in 1970 to help propel its cotton distribution services to accommodate a rising international trade demand. This experience helped Dunavant become the first U.S. cotton merchant to sell and deliver cotton into China. With approximately 50 years of experience, the company has managed millions of international commodity shipments with an active database of thousands of domestic and international supply chain partners. Richard W. McDuffie Co. will be leading Dunavant’s Global Logistics Group. McDuffie has retained key individuals from Dunavant’s logistics division, which supported the cotton merchandising division, as well as investing in and hiring personnel with various logistics backgrounds, to provide a full range of supply chain and consulting services. Dunavant will rely on its active partnerships and branches in Asia and North America, with a strong network in Australia, Africa, Europe and South America.